How to Add Mods to a Windrose Server

Mods can completely change your Windrose experience, from faster crafting and bigger stack sizes to new quality-of-life improvements. While Windrose does not currently support Steam Workshop, you can still install mods manually by placing the correct files into your server's game folders.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to install Windrose mods on both singleplayer and multiplayer servers, where to find the best mods, and how to troubleshoot them if something goes wrong.

The best place to find Windrose mods right now is Nexus Mods Windrose Page. The modding scene is still new, but new mods are appearing almost every day.

Before You Install Mods

Before changing anything, make a backup of your game or server files. Windrose is still in Early Access, and some mods may stop working after updates or even corrupt your save if installed incorrectly.

You should also:

• Stop your Windrose server completely before installing any mods
• Download mods only from trusted sources like Nexus Mods
• Read the instructions on each mod page carefully
• Make sure everyone joining the server has the same mod version if required

Many Windrose mods are simply .pak files, although some may also include .utoc or .ucas files. If your mod includes those extra files, place them in the same folder as the .pak file.

Good catch. The article should refer to that section as client-side installation, not singleplayer.

Replace that section with something like:

How to Install Mods on the Client-Side

Most Windrose mods need to be installed on every player's game client as well as on the server. If a player does not have the required mods installed, they may be unable to join, experience missing items, or run into desync issues.

To install a mod on your client, extract the mod files into:

R5\Content\Paks\

Example:

Windrose
└── R5
    └── Content
        └── Paks
                ├── MyMod.pak
                ├── MyMod.utoc
                └── MyMod.ucas

Then, install the same mod files on your dedicated server in:

R5\Builds\WindowsServer\R5\Content\Paks\

Unless a mod specifically says it is server-side only, every player and the server should be using the exact same mod files and versions.

How to Install Mods on a Multiplayer or Dedicated Server

For dedicated servers, the mod files go in a different folder. Extract your mod files into:

R5\Builds\WindowsServer\R5\Content\Paks\

Example:

Windrose Dedicated Server
└── R5
    └── Builds
        └── WindowsServer
            └── R5
                └── Content
                    └── Paks
                            ├── FasterCrafting.pak
                            └── BiggerStacks.pak

Several players have confirmed this is the correct location for multiplayer mods on self-hosted servers. 

Do Players Need the Mods Too?

Usually, yes.

Most Windrose mods need to be installed on both the server and every player's game client. If a player joins without the correct mod installed, they may:

• Fail to join the server
• See missing items or textures
• Experience broken menus or desync issues

When in doubt, install the exact same mod files on both the server and every player’s PC.

However, a few server-only mods do exist. For example, some stack size or loot mods appear to work with only the server installing them. Always check the mod page description to see whether the mod requires client-side installation.

Recommended Windrose Mods to Try

Here are a few of the most popular early Windrose mods:

• MoreStacks - increases inventory stack sizes
• Fast Craft - dramatically reduces crafting times
• Unlimited Sprinting - removes stamina limits while running
• Unlimited Swimming - removes stamina drain in water
• Map Tweaks - improves map visibility and usability

Be aware that some mods may break after game updates. For example, several users have reported that Fast Craft currently causes issues with the in-game journal and discoveries menu.

Using the Windrose Mod Manager

If you do not want to manually move files around, there is now a community-made Windrose Mod Manager available on Nexus Mods.

The manager can:

• Automatically install mods
• Detect your Windrose game folder
• Install mods directly to hosted servers
• Create backups before changes
• Help sync client and server mods

The Windrose Mod Manager supports both local and hosted dedicated servers through SFTP or SSH.

Common Mod Problems and Fixes

Mods Are Not Loading

• Make sure the files are in the correct folder
• Restart the server after uploading the files
• Double-check that you extracted the archive and did not upload the .zip file itself

Server Crashes After Installing a Mod

• Remove the newest mod and test again
• Check if the mod has been updated for the latest version of Windrose
• Restore your backup if the world becomes corrupted

Players Cannot Join

• Make sure everyone has the exact same mod files and versions installed
• Delete old versions of the mod before installing the new one
• Try connecting with only one mod installed to find the problem

Windrose modding is still very new, but even now there are already useful mods that can make your server more fun and less grindy. As long as you install the files in the correct location and keep your mods updated, adding mods to your Windrose server is surprisingly simple.

For singleplayer, use:

R5\Content\Paks\

For multiplayer servers, use:

R5\Builds\WindowsServer\R5\Content\Paks\

And for the latest mods, always start with Nexus Mods.